General Merritt greatly feared that they would accomplish this purpose.

How to aid them was a problem.

If soldiers were sent to their assistance, the Indians would observe the rescuers, and come to the right conclusion that a body of troops was lying in wait for them.

This of course would turn them back, and the object of our expedition would be defeated.
The commander asked me if I had any suggestions.
"General," I replied, "why not wait until the scouts get a little nearer?
When they are about to charge on the two men, I will take fifteen soldiers, dash down and cut them off from their main body.

That will prevent them from going back to report, and the others will fall into our trap." The general at once saw the possibilities of the scheme.